XJ owners opinions please

[jazz07]

Hi all, am new to this forum. Looking to buy an XJ, favour the '98,'99 post update however this is where I need help. Am I better off with the pre vs post update with regards to spares/reliability, however I prefer the look.
I may be wrong but post seem to have issues - eg a/c evaporator-heater unit, possibly computer probs. If you were to buy again which would you choose.
I don't plan on doing a heap of mods just drive and enjoy for road use and beach fishing. Also appreciate any comments on models.

[rainman]

IF you like the shape of the post updates go with them. 98-99 will have the stronger high pinion D30 front diff. rather than the low pinion that came on later modles. Although with what you have outlined as use either would be fine.
be awear athat some of xj's in the 97-98 year range, without abs, come with a stronger 8.25 diff- which will be open. Rather than the more usual D35 LSD diff.
Parts for pre and post update are equaly available. I'm not familar with any problems the 87-99 updates suffer more than the pre-updates. however being a pre update owner I may not have been paying attention.

[kj69]

hmmm mines a 99 and ive had it from new never any of the issues you have listed ,replaced radiators (never overheating issues though )water pump and uni joints ,and it has had a hard life ,ive broken axles and diffs driving it hard on hard tracks .(if i killed it id buy another)

[Mitch]

I have a 95 4.0L and if it dies before me i,ll get another.I,ve replaced the D35 rear diff with a Chrysler 8.25,cause i would,ve broken it eventually running bigger tyres along with heavey wheeling.Iv,e also spent alot on body protection, upper and lower thankfully which has made it an xlint offroader.As a daily drive you would,nt bother with these mods,they are a capable 4by in stock form and having galvanized panels and a fibreglass tailgate is an added bonus.

[undecided]

Post update seem to have fewer electrical gremlins. Check through the XJ index and you will find lots of good info. Since you mentioned the beach fishing bit, you will find them awesome on sand light weight and plenty of power. The galvanised body helps to.

[BLU-125]

Weak points and spares availability seem similar for both pre and post update XJs.

I've had both, and currently have two post updates because I prefer the late interior. As most cures for problems like overheating apply to all models sold in Oz, both pre & post, there is no real reason for chosing one over another.

Condition, mileage and price are the important criteria, not year........

[disco_nex]

Part of the reason for me buying an XJ was due to its power to weight ratio in the sand. Just make sure when you go into the sand that you switch to low 4WD. It produces less strain on the engine, and ensures the engine and auto temp stay below overheating